If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug from your favorite comfort food, it’s this Easy Chicken & Dressing Casserole Recipe. Imagine tender, shredded chicken blended effortlessly with creamy soup, sour cream, and savory seasonings, all nestled beneath a golden, buttery cornbread stuffing topping. It’s the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures with a burst of savory flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a cozy meal to share with friends, this casserole brings both ease and heartiness to your table in under an hour. Get ready to add a new favorite recipe to your collection that’s as straightforward as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Chicken & Dressing Casserole Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create a symphony of comforting flavors. Each item plays a crucial role—from the creamy base that binds everything together to the cornbread stuffing that adds a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups shredded): The hearty protein star of the dish, providing tender texture and rich flavor.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Acts as a creamy binder, infusing moisture and depth to the casserole.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tangy richness to balance the savory ingredients perfectly.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the dish moist and amplifies the chicken flavor.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings subtle spiciness to awaken the palate.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances savory notes without overpowering.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and aromatic depth.
- Dried sage (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Offers a delicate earthy herbal hint that pairs beautifully with the stuffing.
- Cornbread stuffing mix (2 cups or crumbled cornbread): The star ingredient for the crispy and flavorful topping.
- Melted butter (1/2 cup): Essential for making the stuffing golden and irresistibly buttery.
- Chopped celery (1/2 cup): Provides a refreshing crunch and slight bitterness to balance richness.
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and bright herbal notes when garnishing.
How to Make Easy Chicken & Dressing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and won’t stick, making serving up those golden portions a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet set over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and celery in a tablespoon of butter. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their sweet, savory aroma. These veggies add a subtle crunch and freshness that elevate the overall flavor of your casserole.
Step 3: Combine the Creamy Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together your shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried sage if you’re using it. This rich, flavorful mixture is the heart of your casserole, bringing comfort and creaminess to every bite.
Step 4: Fold in the Sautéed Vegetables
Once your onions and celery have cooled just enough, stir them into the chicken mixture. This step marries the textures and ideas—soft creamy chicken and tender, slightly crunchy veggies—into one harmonious filling.
Step 5: Prepare the Stuffing Topping
In a separate bowl, toss the cornbread stuffing mix with the melted butter until every crumb is luxuriously coated. This buttered stuffing is what guarantees a perfectly golden, crispy topping that everyone will fight over!
Step 6: Assemble Your Casserole Layers
Begin by spreading half of your stuffing mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, layer your creamy chicken mixture on top of this base, making sure it’s distributed evenly. Finally, sprinkle the remaining stuffing over the top—this layering makes every spoonful packed with flavor and texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let the casserole heat through gently. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and crisps up just right. This final crust is the crowning glory of the Easy Chicken & Dressing Casserole Recipe.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking to settle all those incredible flavors. If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top to brighten up the look and add a little herbal freshness before serving.
How to Serve Easy Chicken & Dressing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but effective garnish that adds a pop of color and a subtle peppery note, brightening both the appearance and flavor of your casserole. For a little extra indulgence, consider a light drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkling of shredded sharp cheddar cheese right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Easy Chicken & Dressing Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as green beans or Brussels sprouts. These sides provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, hearty casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming family-style presentation, serve this casserole straight from the baking dish with a big spoon. If you want to impress guests at a potluck or holiday meal, scoop individual servings into small ramekins or cast iron skillets for a rustic look that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover casserole to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing cooked casserole, cool completely before wrapping well. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through. For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes. Microwaving is convenient but may soften the crispy topping.
FAQs
Can I use leftover roast chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, whether from a roast, rotisserie, or even poached chicken, works wonderfully in this recipe. Just shred it well and you’re good to go.
Is it okay to substitute the cornbread stuffing with regular bread stuffing?
Yes, you can use regular bread stuffing if you prefer. Just be aware that cornbread stuffing adds a subtle sweetness and unique texture that complements the chicken beautifully, but bread stuffing will still make a tasty, satisfying topping.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced carrots, peas, or mushrooms along with the celery and onion. Just sauté them together before combining with the chicken mixture to ensure they’re tender and flavorful.
What if I don’t have sour cream? What can I use instead?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt or even cream cheese softened slightly can be great substitutes, lending similar creaminess and tang to the mixture.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly after baking?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, you can freeze individual portions wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven for best texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about an Easy Chicken & Dressing Casserole Recipe that brings people around the table with smiles and full bellies. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a celebration of simple ingredients turned into something extraordinary. Give this recipe a try soon—you might just find it becoming a beloved staple in your home, perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or cozy weekends. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Easy Chicken & Dressing Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken & Dressing Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring shredded cooked chicken combined with a creamy mixture of soup, sour cream, and seasonings, layered with a buttery cornbread stuffing, and baked to golden perfection, this casserole offers classic flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage (optional)
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing)
Stuffing Topping
- 2 cups cornbread stuffing mix (or crumbled cornbread)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter then sauté the chopped onion and celery for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Mix Chicken Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and optionally dried sage. Stir well to blend all flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Fold the sautéed onion and celery into the chicken mixture until evenly distributed.
- Prepare Stuffing Mix: In a separate bowl, mix the cornbread stuffing mix with the melted butter until well coated and crumbly.
- Layer Stuffing Base: Spread half of the buttered stuffing mix evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Add Chicken Layer: Pour and spread the chicken mixture evenly over the stuffing base layer in the dish.
- Top with Stuffing: Sprinkle the remaining half of the stuffing mixture evenly on top of the chicken mixture, covering it completely.
- Initial Baking: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the stuffing topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Using freshly cooked shredded chicken or leftover roast chicken both work well for this recipe.
- For a healthier twist, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use low-sodium chicken broth.
- The cornbread stuffing mix can be replaced with crumbled cornbread for a homemade option.
- To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free sour cream alternative and vegan butter.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
